When we were born again the Holy Spirit empowered us with His own holy nature, the power to live a redeemed life is life God 1:3

Believers today must be on their guard against falling away, false teachers and false prophets, heresy and cult activity. Peter writes if we determine to keep on growing in Christ we will never fall away 1:10

As Christians we must never stop growing in our faith and in the knowledge of God. In his second letter Peter reminds his readers that through their faith in Jesus Christ they all share the same faith, and share in the divine nature. our faith has to be more than belief in certain facts it is first and foremost faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Our faith must result in action we need to put on some muscle! When Peter tells us to add to our faith he wants us to put into practice those same graces the full resources of our Holy God that were given us when we first believed 1:4 Add, supplement put into practise and take action are just some of the words used in different Bible translations 1:5

Believers must never become complacent, if we’re not growing in Christ (getting to know him more) we are easy prey for the devil. Peter says we are short sighted or blind to what we have been cleansed from, Suggesting that the more we work at putting our faith into action the more we will know the Lord and His call upon our lives 1:10

Memory verse

But those who fail to develop in this way are short sighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 2 Peter 1:9 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Peter was a witness of Christs suffering which gave Peter a solid certainty that he would share in the coming glory when Jesus comes again. Faith in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf will produce the same hope in us 5:1

True authority is the result of service and not power 5:2

Christian leaders must be humble and lead by example, however they can only lead those who have been entrusted into their care by God. The question then arises am I ready to receive the delegated care of a loving God through those He has appointed to lead me? The bottom line is wether we are the leaders or the led we are all to serve and receive from one another with a humble spirit 5:3-5.

Watch out! there’s a lion about! although we are all targets the devil like a lion is looking for an easy prey, he is attracted by the solitary christian who is weighed down with troubles, so resist him stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ 5:8-9

Gods grace is sufficient in every situation. I really love this suffering is temporary, but God will restore, support, strengthen and settle us, this is eternal! whatever our experience stand firm in Gods grace 5:12

Memory verse

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 N.L.B.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Pause for thought

Please don’t expect a life of ease if you’re an on fire christian! 4:12. Jesus said ” in this world you will have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world” John 16:33 N.I.V.

Sometimes people may take offence simply because we are christians Although we may not realise it they could be coming under conviction because the Holy Spirit is with us 4:14

We all suffer from time to time just make sure its not because of any wrong behaviour on your part, but because you are living to honour Jesus Christ 4:14

Judgement starts with the members of Gods household to test that our faith rests totally on Jesus who was judged and punished by God for our personal sins. Christians are to examine (judge) themselves to make sure that their faith is genuine 2 Corinthians 13:5. Church members are responsible under the leadership of the elders to judge the action of erring christians bringing appropriate correction 1 Corinthians 5. Note if judgement is ever appropriate it is always towards sinning believers inside the church, never towards unbelievers in the world 1 Corinthians 5:9-10. God corrects (chastises) every son He accepts Hebrews 12:7, God’s every action towards us is always in love He will work every circumstance good or bad to accomplish His purpose in us for our benefit that we may share in his holiness Hebrews 12:10. ( I don’t believe Gods chastening of a christian should be described as judgement)

If God judges his own, how much more the unbeliever? Only the Cross can stay the Judgement of a Holy God 4:18

God will never fail us 4:19

Memory verse

But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:32 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@icloud.com

Pause for thought

Jesus Christ suffered physical pain when he took the judgement for our sin and died in our place at calvary. We are to reckon ourselves to of died when Christ died (suffer with Christ) and to of been raised (given new life) when Christ was raised from the tomb. However as followers of Jesus Christ we will be called upon to suffer (for him) when we resist the former sinful things we followed. This can put us in the line of fire with those who approved of our formal behaviour. As we resist we find that sin loses its power as we focus on Christ and refuse to budge despite the pain 4:1-4

Everyone dies and will have to face one of two judgements The Great White Throne Judgement, or The judgement seat of Christ, the choice is ours! Every Christian who’s body has already died is alive in the Spirit just like God Himself. No one will miss out on the return of Jesus Christ for christians its a wonderful hope. For the unbelieving dead a day to dread.

Christians who truly love their fellows will not be quick to publish but cover another’s sin and help and encourage them just as Jesus has done for us 4:8 , 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Some christians are unsure if they have any spiritual gifts, but Peter is clear we all have been given spiritual gifts by God who is glorified when we use them in blessing others. If we shy away from discovering and then using the gift or gifts assigned to us we rob God of glory, someone of blessing, we also rob ourselves also. 4:10

We Christians must learn to be good stewards of Gods gifts, we are channels so that Gods love can flow out to others. In the gospels a Steward was someone who managed another mans property, spiritual gifts must never be used just as the bearer pleases, It must always be recognised that it is God who is ministering through His people. 4:11

memory verse

God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. 1 Peter 4: 10 N.L.T

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Every Christian is keen on Evangelism but most prefer someone else other than themselves to do it! RT Kendall.

The Holy Spirit speaking through Peter tells us to be respectful and sensitive when we share the Gospel, Its never right to be pushy or judgemental remember the Holy Spirit works with us whenever we share the gospel the NKJ version says are attitude when witnessing should be in meekness to the unbeliever and having a spirit of fear (reverence) towards God. 3:15-16)

Remember people are born again by the water (word) and the (Holy Spirit) John 3:5

When called upon to share our faith we can rely upon the ”helper” the Holy Spirit who is dwelling within us to help us, but we need to prepare ourselves by feeding our spirits on the Word of God. We need the Word in our hearts then the Holy Spirit will bring back to our memory what we have fed upon.

Christs victory at calvary was total ( IT IS FINISHED) Jesus suffered for our sins once ! while His body was in the Tomb Jesus declared His victory to the demon spirits being kept in chains, until the judgement. Jesus is supreme over all authorities they have been made subject to Him. In Jesus we share in His Victory 3:22

memory verse

If you are asked about your Christian hope. always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15B N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@icloud.com

What is the call of God for a Christian? 1Peter2: 21 We are to follow Christs example even if it means suffering, just as He did. Suffering comes in many forms but we are to follow in His steps no christian is exempt. 1Peter3: 1-12 are Holy Spirit instructions about how to win an unbelieving spouse in3:1 also 3:7 both husband and wife are instructed in the ”Jesus way” this way always includes submission sometimes suffering but much love.

Its often noticed that when a husband becomes a christian his whole family will come into the church, but when a woman is converted she often comes into the church fellowship alone. Peter addresses this head on, his advise to wives who long to bring their husbands to Christ is godly submission, they won’t be won by outward appearance a changed life is much more powerful. Nor will brow beating them especially with bible verses, for he who is persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still, of course this goes for both sexes we all need the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit as we share the gospel. 3:4-5

“He who wins souls is wise” so says Proverbs 11:30 I write this a bit tongue in cheek! perhaps if we thought of ways how not to win people to Christ and then did the opposite we might be more successful.

How husbands treat their wives directly effects how their prayers are answered or not! this shows how God views the sanctity of marriage, this includes a marriage where only one partner is a christian the same applies if the christian treats their unbelieving partner improperly it hinders their prayers 3:7,12

Good fishermen don’t shout and throw stones in the water to scare away the fish if they expect to make a catch.

Verse to remember

Treat your wives, then, as equals so that you’re prayers don’t run aground. 1 Peter 1:7B The Message

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@icloud.com

Every time we submit to human authority we are doing it as “Unto The Lord” 1:13

Submission to all human authority is an act of faith, for in doing so we show that we believe all legitimate authority is God given. In submitting we reveal whats in our hearts and bring glory to God 2:13-15.

Peter said to the high priest “we must obey God rather than any human authority” Acts 5:29 if we are persecuted, it must be for obeying God, not as a lawbreaker or following our own ideas about what should be summited to.

We must show respect to everyone (not only to fellow christians) 2:17 read what Jesus said in Luke 6::32

Suffering is often because of our own sins or silly mistakes, we can also suffer unexpectedly simply because we live in this world. But there is a suffering that comes because we are christians fully following the example of Jesus 2:19. Who patiently submitted to the horrors of calvary to give us salvation and bring glory to God 2:21

The atoning work of Jesus at calvary was total in its scope, Peter quotes from Isaiah 53:5 which shows that Messiah’s death would result in total wholeness for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ 2:24.

memory verse

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes you were healed.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Unless we have tasted that God is gracious we will never desire more of Him 2:3

Do you have a God given desire to keep on growing as a Christian? or have you reached a spiritual plateau? Its impossible to continue to live as we did before we knew Christ and continue to make genuine spiritual growth. Be done with it! and instead cry out (strongly desire) for more of what you first “tasted” when you first came to Christ, God will surely grant your desire 2::1-2

Peter’s Jewish readers would of understood the living stones as referring to Israel. Jesus Christ is the Corner Stone of the New Spiritual Temple. As living stones all believers make up the New Spiritual Temple, the church does not cancel believing Israel but completes it 2:5

Many have stumbled over the Rock by failing to believe in Jesus.Christ and the gospel. People are going to a lost eternity not simply because of their sins but because they reject Jesus and refuse to trust Him as saviour 2;8, John 3:18

Christians are temporary residents of this world and because of this we should be careful how we live so that the citizens of this world will give honour to God because of us. If we let Him, the Holy Spirit will show us how we should behave now that we are citizens of another Kingdom, am I generous and kind to unbelievers and believers alike? Will those I come into into contact with give honour to God because of the way I conduct myself? Its usual when we move house to leave it clean and tidy so lets be careful not to leave any junk behind us when God calls us to our permanent home lets make sure we leave a good reputation that brings honour to God 2:11-12

memory verse

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment. 1Peter 2:2 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Our minds can become a battle ground of the soul, unless we exercise self control. Thoughts that are foreign to our new born again spirit will seek to influence us away from our assurance of salvation and the promised rewards that are ours at the return of Jesus Christ 1:13

Here are just a few suggestions how we can start to declutter our minds, first God never tells us to empty our minds if you’re ever counselled to do so run from that counsellor! that is nothing but new age teaching strait from the devil. Jesus instead tells us to be still and know that He is God even in the darkest of times. Second take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ 2 Cor 10:5. This means that any thoughts that conflict with the Bible we are to ditch completely. Third don’t be a prisoner to your past, this is best achieved by looking forward to your promised rewards that are already waiting in heaven for you, not as a result of anything you did or did not achieve in the past but because God calls you His child right now 1:23, Philippians 3:13-14

Christ’s sacrifice was not an afterthought it was planned before the fall of man. That may blow our tiny minds! but it means that the flood, the calling of Abram, the exodus and the giving and then the scrapping of the law were all part of Gods eternal plan. The same is true for every child of God, we are not windfalls but handpicked fruit! 1:20

Everything has a lifespan except the Word of God and this is our wonderful assurance, our new life in Christ is everlasting because it comes from the eternal Living Word of God 1:23

memory verse

But the Word of the Lord will last forever. And that Word is the Good News that was preached to you.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Peters letters are very relevant for many Christians who are living under repressive governments. Wherever we are living we are all subject to misunderstandings and ridicule even harassment by unbelieving friends or work mates or sometimes by those close to us. None of us should expect to be exempt from trials that include pain, sickness, and even death. We live in a world where violence rises and falls, evil goes from bad to worse. But don’t forget the worse that can happen to us is the best thing! The Lord will take us to Heaven 1:6.

At first it seems that Peter is only writing to Jewish Christians because he addresses his letter to God’s chosen people who are living in foreign parts, but be assured every christian is one of God’s chosen people Ephesians 1:4. Sometimes we can feel discouraged because things are not going our way, Peter, wrote this encouraging letter reminding us that even persecution need not be feared when we know Jesus Christ 1:1-2

God has promised that His mighty power will protect us whatever difficulties or trials we may face. Our souls will not be harmed because we have accepted Christ’s gift of salvation. Which is due to be revealed for all to see when Jesus comes again. This is hard for us to fully understand now, but there really is wonderful joy to come when we will see the Lord Jesus, and God graces us with our inheritance 1:6.

The trials we face are working in us to test and purify our faith. So next time your being tested see it as part of gods refining purpose. remember the words of Joseph to his brothers ”you meant it for evil but God meant it for good” Genesis 50:20 The devil really slips up when he tries to bring distress upon God’s own children 1:7

Although its not possible to please God apart from faith, the opposite of fear is love not faith 1 John 4:18 we all need to be established in God’s love which is the key to facing every fear we face 1:8

What was a mystery to the Old Testament prophets God’s plan of salvation has been revealed to us or more correctly “in us“ As the apostle Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Christ in you the hope of glory Colossians 1:27

memory verse

You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him, you trust Him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible Joy. 1 Peter 1:8 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com